Course Overview

Consistently ranked as one of the UK’s top schools of architecture and located in a key city for architects and practices in the North, Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) is the perfect place to complete your formal architectural education. Led by practising architects - many of whom have experience as RIBA Part 3 examiners - MSA offers a tailored support framework that complements individual study with one-to-one tutorials, flexible blended learning options and access to a range of digital and physical education materials.

Not sure if you are ready for Part 3? Read this guidance note to support you making your decision.

Features and Benefits

A top ranked school of architecture

Manchester School of Architecture is placed 5th in the world in the QS 2025 Architecture rankings.

Joint degree and world-class resources

You will study a programme jointly delivered by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. Graduates receive a degree certificate that carries both institutions’ crests and titles.

Mentoring tailored to you

Benefit from a tailored mentoring plan including PPE (Professional Practical Experience) reviews for the duration of the programme.

Hybrid learning

Online and in-person tutorials are available to suit individual requirements.

Focused and efficient

Course delivery is spread out for the duration of the programme, with the Contemporary Practice lecture series occurring one day per week, in February and March.

Get industry ready

Engage with key topics in contemporary practice, including regulation and legislation, planning, procurement and more.

Duration

9 months part-time (September start)
12 months part-time (January start)

Teaching and Learning

The Manchester School of Architecture is a vibrant school with an international reputation, that is consistently within the top 3 UK schools of Architecture according to QS World University Rankings. MSA students are presented with a rich and diverse set of opportunities to learn from each other, professionals, the city and the society around them.

Our Professional Studies Team is led by permanent members of staff who maintain roles in practice. All MSA's Professional Studies Advisors are registered architects, some of whom have many years of experience as RIBA Part 3 examiners.

Candidates enrolled on the Architecture and Contemporary Practice programme will also receive the following benefits:

  • Support from Peer Study Group and online learning platforms
  • Access to physical and digital library and campus facilities at Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Minimum of 6 individual tutorials with an assigned Professional Studies Tutor
  • PPE certification (PEDR or equivalent) for the duration of the programme
  • Office briefing
  • Directed study modules (assessed via 2x office based, open-book exams, PPE document submission and final Professional Interview)

To find out more about the features of the course and how it is delivered, download our programme overview (PDF).

To make an informal enquiry, or to request an office briefing please contact Rachel Newton at r.newton@mmu.ac.uk

Modules

The scheduled content will be delivered through a combination of online and in-person lectures, seminars and workshops, timetabled over a period of months with all content being available online for candidates for the duration of their study. In-person sessions will be prioritised and recorded, with online content making up no more than 40% of study. There will be a maximum 10 days attendance (including exams).

The programme is assessed via 2 written examinations (30 credits) followed by a professional interview supported by 2 documentary submissions (30 credits).

You will be required to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding of the professional criteria in parallel to the lecture series and workshops in preparation for the examination. 

Professional Perspectives

Professional Perspectives

The Professional Perspectives module comprises self-directed reflection with support from Professional Studies Advisors. Building on the process that was started in the Contemporary Practice module, you will develop and complete documentary submissions before attending an interview (oral examination). Candidates who successfully complete the examination at the end of this module are eligible for registration under the Architects Registration Act 1997 and for Chartered Membership of the RIBA if they also have ARB Part 1 and Part 2 recognition. This examination in Professional Practice is required by the Architects Registration Board.

Contemporary Practice 1

Contemporary Practice 1

Following induction, you'll be supported by Professional Studies Advisors (PSAs) in the review and drafting of your experience records to date at key points in the timetable. This guided reflection enables you to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding of the Professional Criteria. This will be done in parallel to the lectures and workshops that consolidate and synthesise the knowledge you have gained in practice in readiness for your Part 3 examination.

Contemporary Practice 2

Contemporary Practice 2

Following induction, you will be supported by Professional Studies Advisors (PSAs) in the review and drafting of your experience records to date at key points in the timetable. This guided reflection enables you to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding of the Professional Criteria. This will be done in parallel to the lectures and workshops that consolidate and synthesise the knowledge you have gained in practice in readiness for your Part 3 examination.



Study methods

  • Part-time 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study

Assessment

  • Part-time 50% coursework; 0% practical; 50% examination

Ten credits equates to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and independent study. A PgCert comprises of 60 credits. The exact composition of your study time and assessments for the course will vary according to your option choices and style of learning.

Career prospects

Completion of the RIBA Part 3 - following completion of Part 1 and Part 2 - will allow candidates to register with the Architects Registration Board and for Chartered Membership of RIBA, opening up a wide range of career possibilities across both public and private sectors:

  • Architecture
  • Landscape architecture
  • Interior design
  • Urban planning 
  • Project management

Staff Team

Rachel Newton
Rachel Newton PgCert Architecture and Contemporary Practice RIBA P3 Programme Leader View profile
Stephen McCusker
Stephen McCusker Senior Lecturer, School Professional Skills Lead View profile
Alison Taylor Stokes
Alison Taylor Stokes Lecturer View profile

Part 3 News & Events

Bursaries
RIBA Part 3 wienerberger Bursaries
wienerberger are offering six bursaries worth £1000 to candidates wishing to complete their RIBA Part 3 with Manchester School of Architecture in 2025/26.
Our next postgraduate open day will take place on 07/02/2026. More details